TE_H__Feline_Specific_Guidelines.docx

FELINE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

1. NEW CATS. Any new cat, unless a specific exception is listed below, will only receive the following immediately upon entry into the stray facility:

a. Wellness exam and scanned for a microchip.

b. Panleukopenia Virus, Herpes Virus-1, and Calicivirus (modified live vaccine SQ in the right front leg below the elbow joint or as far distally as possible).

c. Feline Leukemia (FeLV)/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) blood test.

d. Deworming with pyrantal pamoate (or a fecal floatation as indicated).

e. Frontline spray application.

2. FeLV or FIV POSITIVE CATS. FeLV or FIV positive cats will be euthanized after the mandatory holding period unless there is an arrangement with a rescue that will take a FeLV or FIV positive cat.

3. PREVIOUSLY VACCINATED CATS. If a new cat is received that has proof of vaccination, then vaccinations can be withheld. A FeLV/FIV test, deworming, and Frontline spray are still indicated unless proof is provided of negative tests and administration of preventives. If the vaccination administration cannot be verified, then vaccinations will be administered per #1 above.

4. PREGNANT ANIMALS. If a pregnant animal enters the stray facility it will receive vaccinations as per #1 above. Deworming with pyrantal pamoate, and Frontline spray are still indicated.

5. SICK ANIMALS. If a sick animal enters the shelter, it is up to the examining veterinarian technician whether or not to vaccinate the animal. Cats with mild illness will receive vaccinations while those with severe disease should not. The general rule is that sick cats get vaccinated per #1 with few exceptions. A FeLV/FIV test, deworming, and Frontline spray are still indicated unless specifically directed by the examining veterinarian not to perform one of these steps. Cats that are extremely sick, severely injured, or are considered to be suffering will be euthanized.

6. KITTENS. Kittens will be vaccinated starting at 4-6 weeks of age and have the Panleukopenia/Herpes Virus-1/Calicivirus vaccine boostered every 2-4 weeks thereafter until 16 weeks old. Frontline spray is safe to use on kittens that are at least eight (8) weeks old. Pyrantal pamoate is safe in kittens three (3) weeks old or older.

7. RABIES VACCINATION. A rabies vaccination will be administered SQ in the right rear leg below the stifle joint or as far distally as possible prior to adoption for all cats over 12 weeks old unless proof of a previous valid rabies vaccination is provided.

8. MICROCHIP. An ISO-compatible microchip will be administered to all cats prior to adoption, unless there is already a microchip present.

PHCD-FH CP 46 Enclosure 5